KINGDOM ATHLETICS
The purpose of this section is to establish rules, regulations, and policies for the ELCA athletic program and to provide a framework within which students, parents, faculty, and staff can work together for the benefit of the athletic program.

ELCA is a gospel-centered, Kingdom-focused, college preparatory school that exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. Our athletic program should support this commitment. Athletes must follow all rules that are stated in this section and the student handbook. Participation on an athletic team at ELCA is a privilege, not a right. This privilege may be revoked if a student is not compliant with the guidelines established in this section.

The procedures in this section will be followed. The Administration reserves the right to make final decisions regarding any policy and/or rule. If there are any suggestions for improving our athletic program, please present them to the athletic department. All coaches, student-athletes, and parents should know, understand, and abide by the information in the section.

PURPOSE FOR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
The purpose of the athletic department is to complement and advance the school’s mission.

Romans 15:5-6 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

GOALS FOR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
1. To pursue with excellence an athletic program that seeks to glorify God.
2. To develop highly competitive programs, first-class facilities, and a championship mentality.
3. To develop a training system with the Youth/MS/JV programs that will prepare our students for statewide varsity level competition.
4. To develop a training system beginning in the Lower School that will instruct our Facility, Staff, Parents, and Students with our Kingdom Athletics philosophy.
5. To use athletics to share Jesus Christ with those who do not know him and to inspire other schools to adopt Kingdom Athletics for themselves.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

SCHOOL BRAND AND LOGO

The Charger shield and bolt are the two logos for the school. Approval must be obtained through the Marketing and Communications Office prior to use. Anyone interested in creating a design using the ELCA brand must contact the Marketing and Communications Office for approval. Approval must be obtained through the Marketing and Communications Office prior to the use of the name and logos of ELCA and any reasonable facsimile.

ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY
ELCA is a member of the Georgia High Schools Association. Each student has to meet GHSA requirements to participate in athletics. Students must earn 2.5 Carnegie units to be GHSA eligible. Each class taken in a semester is equal to ½ Carnegie unit. Students receiving two “F’s” on a semester report card will not be allowed to participate in athletic activities until cleared by the academic department. The student will be cleared provided they meet GHSA eligibility requirements mentioned above and meet requirements set by the academic department. This includes, but is not limited to, mandatory IF and weekly help classes. Students who fail two classes after first semester will have to meet the set requirements to become eligible for Spring semester. Failing to meet those requirements at any time during the semester will result in the student being pulled from competitions and practices until the requirements are met. (Students who are declared GHSA ineligible at the end of first semester will not be able to participate or practice spring semester). (Students that are ineligible second semester may attend summer school to become eligible for fall sports). Students that are academically ineligible will not be allowed to dress out with the team, travel with the team, or practice with the team.

ELCA EARLY GRADUATION POLICY

On rare occasions students may request to graduate early. Students who wish to graduate after the first semester of their senior year must meet the following criteria:

Provide a letter from the college or institution stating the fact that they prefer the student to enroll early and the reason for doing so.
Provide a written request from the parents stating their desire to have the student graduate early. The written request is to be turned in before the beginning of 2nd semester the 11th grade year. (It will benefit the student to declare intent at the beginning of the 1st semester of 11th grade. This will allow the student to begin taking some 12th grade classes 1st semester in place of electives not needed for graduation).
Sign a contract with the school which details the new academic plan put in place with the understanding that the school will not release transcripts to the college until all academic requirements have been met.
Meet the same rigor requirements and graduation requirements expected of all senior students. If online class options differ from the options of the traditional classes, it will be the decision of the Academic Dean as to what online classes are most comparable to the traditional courses offered.
Sign a new financial agreement and agree to a new payment schedule for payment of tuition. Financial obligations will need to be met before transcripts will be released to the college. *Note - ELCA does not automatically prorate the tuition for the senior year since the school is still awarding a diploma. Fees for extra online courses are the responsibility of the parents. In addition, a $2,000 early graduation fee will be required and due before transcripts are released.

The high school administration may deny the student request if it is determined he/she cannot reasonably complete the requirements for graduation by the end of the 1st semester of the senior year due to poor academic performance in the past or too many limitations involved in assembling a new academic plan.

YOUTH/MIDDLE SCHOOL/JV ATHLETICS
These programs are vitally important to the success of our athletic program. They concentrate on developing skills, sportsmanship, participation, and experience. The Youth/MS/JV programs prepare athletes for the varsity level. All athletes are expected to follow the same rules and policies as the varsity athletes. If an athlete plays on our school team and a recreational team/travel team/club team, the school team must take priority. Sixth through eighth grade students may try out for all junior high teams. Ninth and twelfth graders may play on the JV or Varsity teams (eighth graders may play up on the JV).

VARSITY ATHLETICS
The varsity teams have the commitment of winning and putting the best team on the field/court/track. Varsity players are the most visible and need to show positive leadership in all activities on and off campus. Coaches will make every effort to allow each athlete the opportunity of competing at the varsity level, but a specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. All of our athletes are expected to participate in summer workouts. We will never have the desired athletic program if we do not work out in the off-season. All athletes are expected to go with their team to camp during the summer. These camp dates will be announced well in advance so families can plan around them.

PARTICIPATION POLICY

ELCA takes seriously the commitments of our student-athletes. We believe honoring commitments is essential throughout life, in marriage, family, church, career, and other areas. We believe athletics helps foster a spirit of genuine commitment. Quitting a team for reasons other than medical or family matters contradicts all we teach about what a Kingdom Athlete should be. A student should never quit a sport in the middle of the season regardless of how justified he may feel their reasons to be. We encourage all students and parents to “stick it out”. It is our desire to work with parents in teaching student’s perseverance, commitment, loyalty and fortitude. You never know what God has in store for your family. Any student who quits a sport will be billed for anything ordered and not be allowed to start the next sport unless released by the Head Coach.

ACADEMIC WORK
Athletes are responsible for all of their academic work. Athletic teams will sometimes have to leave school early. It is the athlete’s responsibility to turn in any academic work and get assignments for that day before departing the school for a game. Athletic events can never be used as an excuse for unfinished academic work.

ABSENCES AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
No student will be allowed to participate in any after-school, extracurricular activity on a day that he has been absent from school. Students must be present a half-day (3 1 / 2 hours) in order to participate in a game that day.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS & CONSENT FORMS
A physical examination is required by the GHSA. The physical examination, consent, & concussion awareness forms must be on file before a student participates in any tryouts, practices, or athletic contest. All forms are to be filed with the athletic trainer.

TRAVEL
All athletes are required to ride the bus to away games. Any exception must be authorized by the athletic director. The athlete must have the permission of the head coach to ride home with his/her parents or another parent after the away games. (A note from the parents will be required.) No athletes will be able to ride home with other students or non-adults. We are very thankful for the vehicles that God has provided for us, and we must do our best to take care of them.

DRESS
Our athletes must wear their school uniform or their game uniform to all away games. (Example: the football team may wear their jerseys). This will be determined by the head coach. For all practices, at least 7 inch inseam shorts are to be worn.

PROFANITY
Profanity will not be tolerated in any form by our athletes. There is no excuse. If an athlete uses profanity, the disciplinary policy that is listed in the student handbook will be followed. (Four demerits)

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
Unsportsmanlike conduct by our athletes will not be tolerated. Discipline for unsportsmanlike conduct violations (such as unsportsmanlike penalties, technical fouls, etc.) will be instituted at the discretion of the head coach. If an athlete is ejected from a game the GHSA rules and regulations will apply.

The GHSA, ELCA, and member schools have made a commitment to promote good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators at all GHSA sanctioned or ELCA events. Profanity, degrading remarks, and intimidating actions directed at officials or competitors will not be tolerated, and are grounds from removal from the event site. Spectators are not allowed to enter the competition area during warm-ups or while the contest is being conducted. We strongly encourage our fans to cheer for our teams. If a fan is ejected, the ejected person will be suspended from at least one game. The ejected person must not be seen or heard during the period of suspension.

Codes of Conduct Contracts are an agreement by the parents and students to conduct themselves in a manner that is reflective of the overall philosophy and mission of ELCA.

ELCA PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Our Speech:

1. Questionable language or “slang” words will not be tolerated. Anything that can be misconstrued as negative or insulting must be avoided.

2. Be positive and encouraging. Uplift your student and others. Let them know the importance and accomplishment of being a part of the team. Let them know they are important.

3. Never criticize the officials or coaches. These people represent the authority figure, the “boss”, the parent, the teacher and the “Law”. If you are “bad mouthing” your children’s coaches or officials you cannot expect him or her to play for or respect these people. Obedience to authority is not optional and is not predicated on whether or not you agree with it. All authority is God-given and disobedience to authority is disobedience to God.

4. Insist that your students address the coach and the officials with respect. They should call their coaches Coach or Mr., Miss, or Mrs. They should address the officials with “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” You should use these titles as well in the presence of your students or when referring to the coach or officials.

5. Never be involved in negative cheering. Booing the officials or opponents or getting into negative chants against the opposing crowd sets a bad example for your children and is counter to everything we say we believe.

6. Never speak negatively around the students or other parents about: the school, the Church, or other students.

7. Never criticize your children’s teammates. This does not teach your student team attitude and will allow them to make excuses for their own performance. Never offer excuses for your children if they are not playing. Encourage them to do their best and to keep striving for their worthwhile goals.

8. Always confront your coaches out of sight and earshot of students and other parents. Speak with the coach privately. Call to set an appointment. Pray about what you will say and what is motivating your discussion.

9. Smile, meet and greet. Often you may be the first impression someone has of ELCA and of our Lord and Savior. Ask yourself this question “Is my speech setting up an opportunity to share Jesus Christ or a need to apologize?”

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt...

Our Relationships:

1. Develop relationships and a good rapport with your students and their teammates. God has placed you in this situation for a purpose. Use this opportunity to minister and be an encouragement to others. You never know who is hurting and needs your show of God’s love in their life. If sports becomes all about you and your student, you need to not participate.

2. Develop relationships and a good rapport with other parents. You will need their prayers and support as much as they will need yours.

3. Develop relationships and a good rapport with parents from other schools. Never miss an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others. Promote your school and your students Needless to say, the relationship you develop is a reflection on our entire ministry.

4. Develop relationships with the coaches: Get to know the coaches. Pray for them. Communicate with them with an open heart and mind. Be open, honest with gentle words. Set appointments to meet with the coach rather than ambush them before or after a game.

John 15:12 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Our Unity:

1. Develop unity within our school family. God has called each one of us to this school. Each of us have different abilities and, therefore, different roles. Never be jealous or envious of someone else’s role. Be busy fulfilling your role. Your example of being a unified school body is a valuable lesson for your students to learn.

2. Develop unity with our Church. ELCA is a ministry of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church working together for a common purpose. Be supportive in action and in spirit. Without Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church there would be no Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.

3. Develop unity within the Kingdom. We must establish our philosophy with other schools in order for our ultimate purpose to be met… to further the Kingdom of God. It will take other Christian schools being successful. Pray for them as you pray for ELCA.

I Corinthians 12:12-13 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

Our Motives:

1. Be Motivated by the Love of God. Living for Him because He died for us.

2. Strive for victory as a tool to teach your students. Teach them that athletics is just a means to an end and not an end unto itself.

3. Teach your students to abide by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit. Tactics that promote unfair “gamesmanship” will not be tolerated.

4. Lead your students in athletics in light of your family mission, philosophy and goals. What you are teaching your student through athletics should match with what you are teaching them at home.

5. Use your child’s experience as a chance to be involved in the life of your child. Your relationship with your child as an adult is a longer time of your life than when they are in your home. If you want a relationship with them as adults you need to begin building that relationship NOW. Athletics affords you that opportunity.

I Corinthians 10:31 …do all to the Glory of God.

Our Behavior:

1. Maintain class and character. You are setting the example for your students. Realize that your every action reflects upon you, your family, ELCA, ELFBC and ultimately our Lord. People will remember your actions long after they have forgotten your words.

2. Always insist that your children follow instructions. Coaches must depend on a player’s ability to follow orders immediately and without question. Questions should be raised at the appropriate time, such as at practice or after a game, when there is time for explanation. This builds respect for authority and a bond of trust between your children and their coaches.

3. Always dress appropriately. Modest attire that does not attract attention to you and away from your child should be worn. Even in warm weather events a Christ-like appearance must be maintained.

4. Be an example and a guard. Set the standard high for behavior and appearance and do not be afraid to speak to those who are indifferent to our ultimate purpose.

5. Working with the officials …not working the officials. Badgering an official to persuade a call our way comes with too high a price – our testimony and our ability to influence those others for Jesus Christ. There is never a time at any contest where a parent is afforded an opportunity to say anything to an official other than “Thank You”. Without these men and women and their willingness to officiate, no one is playing ball.

6. Remain in the stands. Never attempt to approach the field, court, bench area, press box, score table or the officials before, during or after a ballgame. Socially visiting with the coach briefly after a game is encouraged. Game officials are off-limits.

7. Be Modest in victory and gracious in defeat. Coaches, students, parents and spectators will need to be strong in this area. Shake hands with our visitors before and after a game.

8. Recognize the success of your opponent. Compliment the good play of students from the other school. Congratulate their coaches on a well-coached game.

9. Teach your children that they have a special purpose from God. It is their responsibility to accept God’s purpose for them. Do not compare or contrast them to others. This limits their ability to fulfill their own unique potential and purpose.

10. Have fun, touch lives and be yourself. You have the opportunity to be a positive influence, like no one else may be able to, in the lives your children and their peers. Enjoy this time in their lives and help them to enjoy it as well. Games, plays and officials will be forgotten, but your behavior and attitude will stay with your child forever.

I John 2:6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

ELCA ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT

Our Speech:

1. Questionable language or “slang” words will not be tolerated. The athlete will never engage in any profanity or questionable slang.

2. The athlete will address the coach and the officials with respect. The athlete will address the coach as “Coach” or “Mr., Miss or Mrs.” and will take concerns or complaints directly to the coach. Insubordination and divisive speech or behavior will not be tolerated. The athlete should address the officials with “Yes Sir” or “Yes Ma’am".

3. Never criticize the officials or coaches. These people represent the authority figure, the “boss”, the parent, the teacher and the “Law”. Obedience to authority is not optional and is not predicated on whether or not you agree with it. All authority is God-given and disobedience to authority is disobedience to God.

Our Relationships:

1. Develop relationships and a good rapport with teammates and coaches. God has placed you in this situation for a purpose. You have an opportunity to develop life-long friendships. If sports becomes all about you, you need to not participate.

2. Develop relationships and a good rapport with classmates. Do not attempt to set yourself upon a pedestal. Your classmates will not respect you or support you.

3. Develop relationships and a good rapport with students from other schools. Never miss an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others.

Our Unity:

1. Develop unity within your team. “It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.” John Wooden

2. Develop unity within our school family. God has called each one of us to this school. Each of us has different abilities and, therefore, different roles. Never be jealous or envious of someone else’s role. Be busy fulfilling your role.

Our Motives:

1. Be Motivated by the Love of God. Living for Him because He died for us.

2. Strive for victory in order to Glorify God. Athletics is just a means to an end and not an end unto itself.

3. Demonstrating Christ by following the rules of the game in letter and in spirit. Tactics that promote unfair “gamesmanship” will not be tolerated.

4. Committed to excellence. In all areas – faith, practice, academics and game preparation.

Play and Act like a CHAMPION!

Our Behavior:

1. The athlete will maintain a good reputation. The athlete’s character will be in good standing with the administration, faculty, staff and church.

2. The athlete will meet all eligibility requirements.

3. The athlete will know and understand all requirements. The athlete will know all of the expectations of their team and will follow them both in action and in spirit.

4. The athlete will show respect for all coaches, trainers and all staff personnel. This includes the game plans, methods and philosophies.

5. The athlete will show respect for their teammates. The athlete will respect the seriousness of their commitment by attending all practices, meetings and games as prescribed at the beginning of the season and by working together to accomplish a common goal. Help to hold your teammates accountable for their actions.

6. The athlete will maintain a high standard of appearance. Both in and out of the arena adhering to the strictest interpretations of the school dress code and the team dress and uniform code.

7. The athlete will demonstrate Christ-like character. Both in and out of the arena showing respect in speech and actions for game officials, opponents and all those associated with our opponents.

8. The athlete will never engage in fighting. The athlete will maintain self-control at all times. Un-sportsmanship like conduct penalties will not be tolerated and will be penalized.

9. The athlete will know and understand our philosophy. The athlete will respect the seriousness of the eternal effects of their responsibilities as they represent themselves, their families, their school, their church and ultimately their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

PARENT/COACH COMMUNICATION
Parenting and coaching are both difficult vocations. Understanding each other’s role will enable parents and coaches to work together to provide a meaningful experience for the student-athlete at ELCA.

Communication that parents can expect from a coach:

1. Locations and times of practice and games
2. Expectations the coach has of the players and the team
3. Team requirements
4. Team rules and disciplinary actions for violations of team rules
5. Various ways that parents may help the team

Appropriate concerns for parents to discuss with the coach:

1.  Ways to help your child improve
2.  Concerns about your child’s behavior
3.  Academic support, college opportunities

Recognizing that coaches are the ones who work with the team on a daily basis in practice and in competition, it is important to understand that the coach will make decisions that he or she believes to be best for the team and for all athletes who are involved. A parent should never confront a coach before or after a game or practice. These are emotional times for a parent and coach and are not wise times to make an attempt toward the resolution of a problem.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT INJURY POLICY

According to Georgia Code 43-5-1, an Athletic Trainer (ATC) is a person with specific qualifications, as set forth in Code Sections 43-5-7 and 43-5-8 who, upon the advice and consent of a physician, carries out the practice of prevention, recognition, evaluation, management, disposition, treatment, or rehabilitation of athletic injuries; and, in carrying out these functions, the ATC is authorized to use physical modalities, such as heat, light, sound, cold, electricity, or mechanical devices related to prevention, recognition, evaluation, management, disposition, rehabilitation, and treatment.

The primary responsibilities of the ATC include injury prevention, recognition and evaluation of injuries, immediate care and treatment, rehabilitation, and administration duties. The ATC is present at school every day. He covers all home contests for middle and high schools, as well as all practices and some away games. He stays at school until the end of the last practice or contest of the day. Even though the majority of the injury evaluations and treatments take place after school hours, the ATC is available during school hours to evaluate injuries and perform rehabilitation programs. The following section provides the general guidelines put in place by the ELCA Athletic Department for handling athletic-related injuries.

When an athlete is injured on campus, the coach sends him to the ATC to have his injury evaluated. If the ATC is at the scene when the injury occurs, the evaluation of the athlete will take place there. When the evaluation is completed, an explanation will be given to the athlete regarding the immediate treatment as well as the next course of action to be taken; i.e. begin a rehabilitation program, follow up with a doctor, etc. The coach is then informed of the injury as well as the treatment plan. The ATC will also get in touch with the parent to explain what happened and what the next step needs to be either in person, by phone, or by email. Depending on the extent of the injury, the ATC will assist the parent in scheduling a doctor’s appointment. After the doctor’s visit, it is the responsibility of the parent and the athlete to bring a note from the doctor stating his diagnosis of the injury as well as the plan of care. In addition, when an athlete is injured during either practice or a game and the ATC is not present, the coach will inform him of the incident and the care that was provided so the injury can be documented, and a follow up with the parent, student, doctor, and coach is made to provide the best possible care and return the athlete to play as soon as possible. If your child goes to see a doctor, then he needs to bring a note to the ATC and the coach stating he is cleared to play. When a doctor removes an athlete from competition, he will not be allowed to return to competition until the ATC has a note in hand stating the doctor has cleared him.

The Georgia State Law listed above mandates that an Athletic Trainer works under the supervision of a Physician. Our team doctor is Dr. Daniel Orcutt, MD, an Orthopedic Surgeon from OrthoAtlanta. For the last 2 years, Dr. Orcutt has provided coverage for our Varsity Football games, evaluates our athletes in the office, and performs surgery when necessary. Dr. Orcutt will coordinate a time to see the athlete as soon as possible after the injury. He will also contact the ATC once he has seen an athlete from ELCA and informing him of the extent of the injury as well as the treatment protocol to follow. OrthoAtlanta is located at 915 Eagles Landing Pkwy. Stockbridge, GA, 30281 and the phone number is 770-506-4350.

STUDENT/PARENT CONCUSSION AWARENESS

Dangers of concussions:

Concussions at all levels of sports have received a great deal of attention and state law has been passed to address this issue. Adolescent athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of concussion. Once considered little more than a minor “ding” to the head, it is now understood that a concussion has the potential to result in death, or changes in brain function (either short-term or long-term). A concussion is a brain injury that results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. Continued participation in any sport following a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, as well as increased risk for further injury to the brain, and even death.

Player and parental education in this area is crucial – that is the reason for this document. Refer to it regularly. This form must be signed by a parent or guardian of each student who wishes to participate in GHSA athletics. One copy needs to be returned to the school, and one retained at home.

Common signs and symptoms of concussions:

* Headache, dizziness, poor balance, moves clumsily, reduced energy level/tiredness
* Nausea or vomiting
* Blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sounds
* Fogginess of memory, difficulty concentrating, slowed thought processes, confused
about surroundings or game assignments
* Unexplained changes in behavior and personality
* Loss of consciousness (NOTE: This does not occur in all concussion episodes.)

BY-LAW 2.68: GHSA CONCUSSION POLICY: In accordance with Georgia law and national playing rules published by the National Federation of State High School Associations, any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the practice or contest and shall not return to play until an appropriate health care professional has determined that no concussion has occurred. (NOTE: An appropriate health care professional may include, licensed physician (MD/DO) or another licensed individual under the supervision of a licensed physician, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or certified athletic trainer who has received training in concussion evaluation and management.

a) No athlete is allowed to return to a game or a practice on the same day that a concussion (a) has been diagnosed, OR (b) cannot be ruled out.

b) Any athlete diagnosed with a concussion shall be cleared medically by an appropriate health care professional prior to resuming participation in any future practice or contest. The formulation of a gradual return to play protocol shall be a part of the medical clearance.

c) It is mandatory that every coach in each GHSA sport participate in a free, online course on concussion management prepared by the NFHS and available at https://nfhslearn.com at least every two years – beginning with the 2013-2014 school year.

d) Each school will be responsible for monitoring the participation of its coaches in the concussion management course, and shall keep a record of those who participate.

BY-LAW 2.67 – PRACTICE POLICY FOR HEAT AND HUMIDITY

Schools must follow the statewide policy for conducting practices and voluntary conditioning workouts in all sports during times of extremely high heat and/or humidity that will be signed by each head coach at the beginning of each season and distributed to all players and their parents or guardians. The policy shall follow modified guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine in regard to:

1. The scheduling of practices at various heat/humidity levels
2. The ratio of workout time to time allotted for rest and hydration at various heat/humidity levels
3. The heat/humidity level that will result in practice being terminated

A scientifically approved instrument that measures Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reading must be utilized at each practice to ensure that the written policy is being followed properly. The Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature utilizes the following formula: .07 (humidity) + 0.2 (radiant heat) + 0.1 (ambient air temp) = WBGT. Here at ELCA, we use the Mannix, Model: SAM 990DW Digital Sling Psychrometer/Thermohygrometer to determine the Heat Index. After reviewing information from the GHSA, NFSHSA, and the NATA, we have concluded that the following guidelines regarding athletic participation in heat and humidity will be implemented.

Based on the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Risk Chart:

WBGT Reading - Activity & Rest Break Guidelines

UNDER 82.0 - Normal activities. Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour of minimum duration of 3 minutes each during workout.

82.0-86.9 - Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise; watch at-risk players carefully; provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour of a minimum of four minutes duration each.

87.0-89.9 - Maximum practice time is two hours. For Football: players restricted to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts during practice. All protective equipment must be removed for conditioning activities. For all sports: Provide at least four separate rest breaks each hour of a minimum of four minutes each.

90.0-92.0 - Maximum length of practice is one hour, no protective equipment may be worn during practice and there may be no conditioning activities. There must be 20 minutes of rest breaks provided during the hour of practice.

OVER 92 - No outdoor workouts; Cancel exercise; delay practices until a cooler WBGT reading occurs.

Guidelines for Hydration and Rest Breaks:

1. Rest time should involve both unlimited hydration intake (water or electrolyte drinks) and rest without any activity involved.

2. For football, helmets should be removed during rest time.

3. The site of the rest time should be a “cooling zone” and not in direct sunlight.

4. When the WBGT reading is over 86:

a. Ice towels and spray bottles filled with ice water should be available at the “cooling zone” to aid the cooling process.

b. Cold immersion tubs must be available for practices for the benefit of any player showing early signs of heat illness.

Definitions

1. Practice: the period of time that a participant engages in a coach-supervised, school-approved sport or conditioning-related activity. Practices are timed from the time the players report to the field until they leave.

2. Walk Through: this period of time shall last no more than one hour, is not considered to be a part of the practice time regulation, and may not involve conditioning or weight-room activities. Players may not wear protective equipment.

GENERAL RULES

1. No fund-raising or team-purchasing may be done without approval from the AD

2. There will be no team meetings, games, or practices on Sundays.

3. There will be no games, meets, or matches on Wednesday unless approved.

4. All athletes are to take good care of the school’s equipment.

5. Athletes should never be without a coach on or in any of the athletic facilities.

6. Athlete is required to turn in his/her uniform within two weeks of the last game.

7. Team awards are left to the discretion of the coach.

EAGLE'S LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

EAGLE'S LANDING CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

ATHLETIC HANDBOOK